Capturing and analyzing data in a drone enabled environment for ecological decision making

ABSTRACT

Capturing data in a drone enabled environmental for testing soil and ecological decision making includes initiating, using a computer, collection of data from multiple sources using a drone. The data includes information about soil at a specified soil location, in response to the drone flying over air space of a physical or geographical location respective to the soil location and/or landing at the soil location. Soil data is received, as part of the data, from the drone in response to testing the soil. The testing of the soil can include conducting a ground soil density test using a frangible probe. The data is analyzed to determine a best location for seeding and growing a plant in the soil.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to computerized capturing of data in adrone enabled environment for ecological decisions, and morespecifically, related to controlling a drone to conduct soil tests.

Interest in improving agriculture for farms, whether small or large, caninclude soil evaluation including capturing soil samples and conductingmeasurements and tests on the soil.

Drones, as a mobile platform, can be used for soil analysis (e.g.,moisture analysis) using soil conductivity. Also, drones can be used forimplementing drill-like elements for obtaining soil samples and/ordeploying soil sensors.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure recognizes the shortcomings and problemsassociated with current techniques for capturing data in using a dronefor testing and/or measuring soil and ecological decision making.

The present invention recognizes the need for improvements in soilanalysis (e.g., moisture analysis) using soil conductivity testing andmeasurements and/or soil sensors. In one embodiment, the presentinvention can use four probes coupled to four pads of a drone forperforming ground conductivity tests. In other embodiments, the presentinvention can use frangible probes, and/or ribbon-line electrodes (alongwith considerations of tensile thresholds and compressive thresholds)for performing drone-based tests and capturing soil measurements anddata.

The present invention can use AI (Artificial Intelligence) to leveragethe capabilities of one or more drones, in correlating soil moisturewith actual growing conditions, via multispectral optical, radio, andacoustical passive imaging, and by correlating these with agriculturesampling, inputs and outputs. Measurements such as radio signalreflectivity to soil moisture using the present invention can usecomprehensive multi-spectral agricultural approach using drones and AI.Embodiments of the present invention can aid in solving agriculturalproblems and mitigating agricultural issues, such as ground-level airpollution as an inhibitor for crops, by providing soil measurements anddata.

In an aspect according to the present invention, a computer-implementedmethod for capturing data in a drone enabled environment for testingsoil and ecological decision making, including initiating, using acomputer, collection of data from multiple sources using a drone. Thedata regarding information about soil, in response to the drone flyingover air space of a physical or geographical location respective to asoil location and/or landing at the soil location. The method includesreceiving, using the computer, soil data, as part of the data, from thedrone in response to testing the soil, and the testing of the soilincluding conducting a ground soil density test using a frangible probe.The method includes analyzing the data to determine a best location forseeding and growing a plant in the soil.

In a related aspect, the testing of the soil can include initiatingphysical contact of the frangible probe into the soil, wherein thefrangible probe breaks into pieces and detaches from the drone whenphysical resistance from the soil exceed a stress threshold.

In a related aspect, the stress threshold can include a tensilethreshold or a compression threshold.

In a related aspect, the method further including receiving additionalsoil data, as part of the data, from the probe including first stressdata with respect to the probe breaking off in response to the physicalresistance from the soil exceeding the stress threshold, and analyzingthe additional data to determine a best location for seeding and growinga plant in the soil.

In a related aspect, the stress threshold can include a tensile strengththreshold.

In a related aspect, the stress threshold can include a compressionstrength threshold.

In a related aspect, the testing of the soil can include initiatingphysical contact of another frangible probe on the soil, wherein theanother frangible probe is a ribbon-line electrode for continualmeasurement, in response to being dragged along the soil. The anotherfrangible probe breaks into pieces and detaches from the drone whenphysical resistance from the soil exceeds a stress threshold.

In a related aspect, the method can further include receiving furthersoil data, as part of the data, from the another frangible probeincluding second stress data with respect to the another frangible probebreaking off in response to the physical resistance from the soilexceeding the stress threshold, and analyzing the data from theribbon-line electrode to determine a best location for seeding andgrowing a plant in the soil.

In a related aspect, the testing of the soil can include initiatingdrilling into the soil, using a mini drill coupled to the drone; andreceiving soil samples from the drilling when the drone returns to ahome base.

In a related aspect, the method can further include: generating soilsample data, as part of the data, from the soil samples; and analyzingthe data to determine a best location for seeding and growing a plant inthe soil.

In another aspect of the present invention, a system using a computerfor capturing data in a drone enabled environmental for testing soil andecological decision making, which can include a computer systemcomprising; a computer processor, a computer-readable storage medium.Program instructions can be stored on the computer-readable storagemedium being executable by the processor, to cause the computer systemto perform the following functions to; initiate, using a computer,collection of data from multiple sources using a drone, the dataregarding information about soil, in response to the drone flying overair space of a physical or geographical location respective to a soillocation and/or landing at the soil location; receive, using thecomputer, soil data, as part of the data, from the drone in response totesting the soil, the testing of the soil including conducting a groundsoil density test using a frangible probe; and analyze the data todetermine a best location for seeding and growing a plant in the soil.

In a related aspect, the testing of the soil can include: initiatingphysical contact of the frangible probe into the soil, wherein thefrangible probe breaks into pieces and detaches from the drone whenphysical resistance from the soil exceed a stress threshold.

In a related aspect, the stress threshold includes a tensile thresholdor a compression threshold.

In a related aspect, the system can further include receiving additionalsoil data, as part of the data, from the probe including first stressdata with respect to the probe breaking off in response to the physicalresistance from the soil exceeding the stress threshold; and analyzingthe additional data to determine a best location for seeding and growinga plant in the soil.

In a related aspect, the stress threshold can include a tensile strengththreshold.

In a related aspect, the stress threshold can include a compressionstrength threshold.

In a related aspect, the testing of the soil can include: initiatingphysical contact of another frangible probe on the soil, wherein theanother frangible probe is a ribbon-line electrode for continualmeasurement, in response to being dragged along the soil, wherein theanother frangible probe breaks into pieces and detaches from the dronewhen physical resistance from the soil exceeds a stress threshold.

In a related aspect, the system can further include receiving furthersoil data, as part of the data, from the another frangible probeincluding second stress data with respect to the another frangible probebreaking off in response to the physical resistance from the soilexceeding the stress threshold; and analyzing the data from theribbon-line electrode to determine a best location for seeding andgrowing a plant in the soil.

In a related aspect, the testing of the soil can include: initiatingdrilling into the soil, using a mini drill coupled to the drone; andreceiving soil samples from the drilling when the drone returns to ahome base.

In another aspect according to the present invention, a computer programproduct for capturing data in a drone enabled environmental for testingsoil and ecological decision making, where the computer program productcomprises a computer readable storage medium having program instructionsembodied therewith. The program instructions are executable by acomputer to cause the computer to perform functions, by the computer,comprising the functions to: initiate, using a computer, collection ofdata from multiple sources using a drone, the data regarding informationabout soil, in response to the drone flying over air space of a physicalor geographical location respective to a soil location and/or landing atthe soil location; receive, using the computer, soil data, as part ofthe data, from the drone in response to testing the soil, the testing ofthe soil including conducting a ground soil density test using afrangible probe; and analyze the data to determine a best location forseeding and growing a plant in the soil.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following detailed descriptionof illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connectionwith the accompanying drawings. The various features of the drawings arenot to scale as the illustrations are for clarity in facilitating oneskilled in the art in understanding the invention in conjunction withthe detailed description. The drawings are discussed forthwith below.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an overview of asystem, system features or components, and methodology for capturingdata in a drone enabled environmental for testing soil and ecologicaldecision making, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method, implemented using thesystem shown in FIG. 1, for capturing data in a drone enabledenvironmental for testing soil and ecological decision making, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a flow chart illustrating another method, implemented usingthe system shown in FIG. 1, and continuing from the flow chart shown inFIG. 2, for capturing data in a drone enabled environmental for testingsoil and ecological decision making, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a flow chart illustrating another method, implemented usingthe system shown in FIG. 1, and continuing from the flow chart shown inFIG. 2, for capturing data in a drone enabled environmental for testingsoil and ecological decision making, according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4 is a functional schematic block diagram showing a series ofoperations and functional methodologies, for instructional purposesillustrating functional features of the present disclosure associatedwith the embodiments shown in the FIGS., for capturing data in a droneenabled environmental for testing soil and ecological decision making.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a system depictinganother aspect of the present disclosure including vector analysis ofresistance.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an overview of asystem, system features or components, and methodology for capturingdata in a drone enabled environmental for testing soil and ecologicaldecision making, according to an another embodiment of the presentdisclosure which includes a frangible probe.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating another method, implemented usingthe system shown in FIG. 1, for capturing data in a drone enabledenvironmental for testing soil and ecological decision making, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure which includes a frangibleprobe.

FIG. 7A is a depiction of an example drone.

FIG. 7B is a diagram of an example frangible probe.

FIG. 7C is a diagram of an example frangible trailing probe.

FIG. 8A is a flow chart illustrating another method, implemented usingthe system shown in FIG. 6, and continuing from the flow chart shown inFIG. 7, for capturing data in a drone enabled environmental for testingsoil and ecological decision making, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure which includes a frangible probe used forimplementing a stress test including compression stresses.

FIG. 8B is a flow chart illustrating another method, implemented usingthe system shown in FIG. 1, and continuing from the flow chart shown inFIG. 2, for capturing data in a drone enabled environmental for testingsoil and ecological decision making, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure which includes a frangible probe used forimplementing a stress test including tensile stresses.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram depicting a computer systemaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure which may be incorporated,all or in part, in one or more computers or devices shown in FIG. 1, andcooperates with the systems and methods shown in the FIGS.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of a system depicting systemcomponents interconnected using a bus. The components for use, in all orin part, with the embodiments of the present disclosure, in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram depicting a cloud computing environmentaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram depicting abstraction model layers accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings isprovided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplaryembodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and theirequivalents. The description includes various specific details to assistin that understanding, but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary,and assist in providing clarity and conciseness. Accordingly, those ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes andmodifications of the embodiments described herein can be made withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition,descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are notlimited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used to enablea clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, itshould be apparent to those skilled in the art that the followingdescription of exemplary embodiments of the present invention isprovided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose oflimiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and theirequivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes referenceto one or more of such surfaces unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

In general, it is understood that legal regulations can include legalregulations pertaining to property air space passed through or used in adrone flight path. In another example, a database can be populated, andupdated and maintained, which can include legal regulation forreference. The database can be updated and expanded as needed over time,thus providing a database for legal regulation for reference whenconsidering drone flights through respective air space and theregulation at respective locations. Such regulations, for example, inthe United States, can include town, county, State and Federalregulations administered by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) ofUnited States Department of Transportation. Also, fees and/or licensesmay apply, and/or registration of drones and/or flight paths.

In one example, the possible flight paths, can require property ownerpermission for a flyover of the drone through airspace associated with aproperty.

The use of drones can be limited in many countries by airspaceregulations, by property and privacy issues, and by safety concerns. Forexample, in the U.S.A., drone use is covered by Federal Air RegulationPart 107, which typically includes strict limits of altitude (typicallynot to exceed 400 feet above ground level), overflight restrictions,continual personal light-of-sight control and many other criteria. Whiledrones are thus generally precluded by FAA regulation above 400 feet,flight below 400 feet over private property is generally precluded byproperty and privacy rights of the underlying landowner. Thus, unlessone is flying above their own property, or in limited publicly-allowedairspace, individual permissions are required, in a complex patchwork ofland use. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure can use dronesoperating in an air space above a location or a farmer's plot which thedrone user has permission to operate the drone, but below 400 feet aboveground level. The drone operation can include measuring soil needs, andthe moisture and air pollutant environment.

Electric aircraft, both piloted and autonomous, including small andlarger aerial vehicles offer platforms for machine tasks such as packagedelivery, package pickup, remote sensing, agricultural seeding andsupport, photography, medical support, communications relay and manyother uses. The use of drones can be limited in many countries byairspace regulations, by property and privacy issues, and by safetyconcerns. For example, in the U.S.A., drone use can be covered byFederal Air Regulations under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),which typically include limits of altitude (for example, not to exceed400 feet above ground level), overflight restrictions, continualpersonal light-of-sight control and many other criteria.

However, while drones are generally precluded by FAA regulation above400 feet, flight below 400 feet is allowed, however, such flight may beover private property and can be precluded by property and privacyrights of the landowner. Thus, unless a user is flying above their ownproperty, or in publicly allowed airspace, individual permissions, thatis, permission from landowners may be required, and thus can results ina complex patchwork of land use permission for a flight. In one example,regulations can include a requirement that a drone must be under directline-of-sight control, or have other requirements, although, in someinstances, waivers may be given in certain circumstances. Otherrequirement can include a drone having identifying serial numbersassociating them with owners.

EMBODIMENTS AND EXAMPLES

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a computer-implemented method 100, using asystem 10, for capturing data in a drone enabled environmental fortesting soil and ecological decision making includes a series ofoperational blocks for implementing an embodiment according to thepresent disclosure. The method 100 includes initiating, using acomputer, collection of data from multiple sources using a drone 22, asin block 104. The data is regarding information about soil 21 at aspecified soil location 20, in response to the drone 22 flying over airspace of a physical or geographical location 20 respective to the soillocation 21 and/or landing at the soil location.

The drone 22 (shown in FIG. 1) can include a computer 24 or on-boardcomputer. The drone includes landing pads or pads 26. In one example,four pads can be attached to the drone. For convenience, the pads 26shown in FIG. 1 are representative of more pads or a plurality of padsattached to the drone. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the drone pads26 include probes 30 extending outwardly from the pads. Also, the dronecan communicate, using the computer 245 with a controller 40. Thecontroller 40 includes a computer 42, processor 44, storage medium 46,an application 50 or application software, and a display 48. A user 14can interact, that is, manipulate the controller 40 to operate one ormore drones. The controller and alternatively, the drones 22 cancommunicate with a remote control system 70 via a communications network60, for example a cellular network or the Internet. The control system70 includes a storage medium 80, in which can be stored user accounts 81having registration account data 82 including user profiles 83. Thecontrol system includes a computer 72, a computer readable storagemedium 73 in which can be stored or embedded one or more programs 74,and the computer includes a processor 75 for executing the programs. Thecomputer can also communicate with a database 76.

In another example, which will be discussed in more detail below, adrone can include a trialing conductive ribbon 32, or ribbon lineelectrode, as shown in FIG. 1.

The method 100 includes receiving, using the computer, soil data, aspart of the data, from the drone in response to testing the soil, as inblock 108. The testing of the soil can include conducting a groundconductivity test using two or more probes coupled to respective landingpads of the drone. In one example, the drone can have four probes, oneattached to each landing pad. The drone can be positioned by flight overthe soil location such that the two or more probes contact the soil, forexample, hovering over the soil or landing on the soil location.

A testing threshold can be set for conducting a ground conductivitytest, such as test results meeting minimum requirements. Such minimumrequirements can include, for example, acceptable soil samples,acceptable soil contact, acceptable conductivity measurements. If thetesting threshold is not met in block 116, the method returns to block112, to initiate more tests. If the testing threshold is met, in block116, the method continues to block 120 where the method 100 includesanalyzing the data to determine a best location for seeding and growinga plant in the soil, as in block 120.

In one example, the ground conductivity test can use four probes coupledto four landing pads of the drone. The method can further includeinitiating electrical measurements using the four probes including amultiplicity of resistance measurements using a set of possiblecombinations of the four probes. The method includes receiving, usingthe computer, the electrical measurements from the drone as part of thesoil data. The possible combinations of resistance measurements areshown in Table 2 and discussed below.

Operational blocks of the method 100 shown in FIG. 2, may be similar tooperational blocks or used in the methods shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Themethods shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B are intended as other exampleembodiments which can include aspects/operations shown and discussedpreviously in the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3A, In another example according to the presentdisclosure, a method 200 can continue from block 108 of the method 100shown in FIG. 2, and the method 200 can further include initiating, aspart of the testing of the soil, physical contact of a probe into thesoil, as in block 204. For example, the probe can be a plunge sensor, ora frangible probe 34 (shown in FIG. 1).

For a frangible probe 34, the probe can be frangible and break off thedrone when physical resistance from the soil exceeds a stress thresholdwhich can include a stress threshold which can include a tensile or acompressive threshold, as also in block 204. The method 200 includesreceiving additional soil data, as part of the data, from the probeincluding stress data (or can be referred to as first stress data)related to the probe breaking off in response to the physical resistancefrom the soil exceeding the stress threshold, for example, a tensile ora compressive threshold, as in block 208. The method further includesanalyzing the additional data to determine a best location for seedingand growing a plant in the soil, as in block 212.

In another embodiment according to the present disclosure, a method 250continues from block 108 of the method 100 and can further includeinitiating, as part of the testing of the soil, physical contact ofanother probe on the soil, as in block 254, for example, a trail sensor.The another probe can be a ribbon-line electrode providing continualmeasurement data in response to being dragged along the soil.

The method 250 include analyzing the measurement data from theribbon-line electrode to determine a best location for seeding andgrowing a plant in the soil, as in block 258.

The method 250 can further include in one example, receiving additionalsoil data, as part of the data, from the another probe (i.e.,ribbon-line electrode) including stress data (which can be referred toas second stress data) related to the another probe breaking off inresponse to physical resistance from the soil exceeding a stressthreshold, for example, a tensile or a compressive threshold. The methodcan include analyzing the additional soil data to determine a bestlocation for seeding and growing a plant in the soil, in response to thereceiving of the additional soil data.

In one example, the method 100 can further include initiating, as partof the testing of the soil, drilling into the soil, using a mini drillcoupled to the drone. The method can further include, receiving soilsamples from the drilling when the drone returns to a home base,generating soil sample data, as part of the data, from the soil samples,and analyzing the soil sample data to determine a best location forseeding and growing a plant in the soil.

In another example according to embodiments of the present disclosure,the method 100 can include the conducting of the ground conductivitytest using four probes coupled to respective landing pads of the drone.The drone is positioned over the soil location such that the four probescontact the soil, and the method further includes initiating testing ofthe soil using resistance measurements between the four probes. Themethod includes receiving, using the computer, the soil data, as part ofthe data, including the resistance measurements from the drone inresponse to the testing the soil using the four probes. The data isanalyzed to determine a best location for seeding and growing a plant inthe soil.

In another example, the testing of the soil can use the resistancemeasurements between the four probes includes determining an optimumresistance using vector algebra.

In another example, the testing of the soil can use the resistancemeasurements between the four probes includes using a mathematicalcombination of the four probes.

OTHER EXAMPLES AND EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, regarding creation and storage of user accounts,user accounts can refer to users of drones and also entities usingdrones for agricultural testing, for example, including soil samples.Account data, for instance, including profile data related to a user,and any data, personal or otherwise, can be collected and stored, forexample, in the control system 70. It is understood that such datacollection is done with the knowledge and consent of a user, and storedto preserve privacy, which is discussed in more detail below. Such datacan include personal data, and data regarding personal items.

In one example, a user can register 82 with a drone service and have anaccount 81 with a user profile 83 on a control system 70, which isdiscussed in more detail below. For example, data can be collected usingtechniques as discussed above, for example, using cameras, and data canbe uploaded to a user profile by the user.

In one example, a user can register an account which can include one ormore profiles 83 as part of registration and/or account data 82. Theregistration can include profiles for each user having personalizeddata. For example, users can register using a website via their computerand GUI (Graphical User Interface) interface. The registration oraccount data 82 can include profiles 83 for an account 81 for each user.Such accounts can be stored on a control system 70, which can alsoinclude a database 76 for data storage.

Additionally, methods and systems are discussed with reference to FIG.4, which is a functional system 400 which includes components andoperations for embodiments according to the present disclosure, and isused herein for reference when describing the methods and systems of thepresent disclosure. Additionally, the functional system 400, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure, depicts functional operationindicative of the embodiments discussed herein.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, one or more items 24 are shown asrepresentative of a plurality of items 24. One or more devices such as acontroller 40 are shown as representative of a plurality of devices. Thedevices include a computer 42. A computer can be proximate to thelocation 20, remote from the location, or part of a mobile device, forexample, a mobile device belonging to a user 14. The devices can controlone or more drones 22. The computer 42 includes a processor 44 and astorage medium 46 which can include an application 50 embodying themethod of the present disclosure. The computer 42 further includes theprocessor 44 for executing the application/software. The computer 42 cancommunicate with a communications network 60, e.g., the Internet. Thedrones 22 can also include computers 24 and can also communicate withthe communications network 60, e.g., the Internet, directly orindirectly, or in combination with the computer 42 for controlling thedrones and sending data for analysis. The application can embody thefeatures of the method of the present disclosure as instructions.

An advantage of the methods and systems according to the presentdisclosure include enabling remote soil sample on a mobile platform,that is, using a drone, and for surface soil samples as well as deepersamples of soil stratification. The drone or drones can provide dynamicsensors, as opposed to static sensors which are placed in the ground ata singular location. That is, the dynamic sensors, using drones, can beplaced over a large area by drones on a schedule, or on demand, or in aremote location.

In another example of advantages of embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the drone can include different toes of probes, such astrailing probes, or plunge type probes, and can also include frangibleprobes.

FURTHER EMBODIMENTS AND EXAMPLES

The methods and systems according to the present disclosure can includeallowing the user to have multiple soil samples in a single trip from adrone base which can make the system be more agile and efficient. Soilstratification details can be communicated to the user/control system asthe drill samples in a probe tube will keep the samples in order so thatthe user can have samples at every 2-4 cm from the ground.

The methods and systems according to the present disclosure provide alight weight, user friendly and, when trailing electrodes are use, thetrailing electrodes can cover mores sample sites. The monitoring is notdependent of stationary devices that are installed in the ground. Thepresent disclosure provides on-demand soil sampling and monitoring andcan be without any human involvement. A user and/or system can gathersoil samples from arbitrary and fairly distant points in a single tripas a result of the probes being attached to a drone.

In one example, a method and system can make use of various vectors tofind an optimized solution. Vector algebra can be used to find optimumand complex resistances, sometimes using AI (Artificial Intelligence).In addition, multi-spectral imaging of light across various wavelengthscan also be used. The present disclosure provides direct, or hands onmethods were additionally to aerial imagery, data can be correlated withthe help of the integrated ground sensors, frangible probes, flexibletrailing components, soil sampling mechanisms, etc., in the drone orusing the drone. The methods and systems according to the presentdisclosure can be on demand and able to get measurements without needingto install anything on or to the ground. Sensors can be low-weight andfrangible, with minimal or no adverse agricultural or cultivationaleffect if unable to achieve and left in the ground. Embodiments of thepresent disclosure includes use of four probes coupled to four pads ofthe drone for performing ground conductivity tests. Additionally,embodiments of the present discuses can include use of frangible probesand ribbon-line electrodes (along with considerations of stressthresholds, such as, tensile or compressive thresholds) for performingdrone-based tests.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include the use of drones for soilanalysis (e.g., moisture analysis) using soil conductivity, resistancebetween two or more electrodes or probes contacting or inserted into theground, and related approaches. In one example, four probes can becoupled to four pads of the drone for performing ground conductivitytests. Also, frangible probes and ribbon-line electrodes (along withconsiderations of tensile or compressive thresholds) can be used forperforming drone-based tests, capturing data, and conductingmeasurements.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can include a correlation enginewhich leverages input from sensors such as: optical ground reflectivityfrom a drone's own internal camera; radio reflection from anotherdrone's signal, or from another transmitter, to a drone; acousticreflection from a drone to another drone, or from another acousticsource; or direct ground sampling of moisture from temporarily orembedded ground sources. Using the input data from sensors, thecorrelation engine can determine correlation of optimum ground moisture,add or reduce water as necessary. Additionally, agricultural solutionscan be validated by observing past and currently growing, soil, and cropsamples, both by itself and by extrinsic sensors.

In one example, a correlation engine can provide bands of optimizedresults, which are correlated with the actual situation of a field oragricultural plot in question. For example, first, the input to thedrone is normalized by 1/H{circumflex over ( )}2 cos (Theta); “H” can bea height over ground level (as seen by GPS (Global Positioning System)),and “Theta” can be an angle from vertical. Optimal results can beinterpreted by the system and vary according to crop and soil. Optimalresults can include such factors as in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Sensor Type More Moisture Less Moisture Multi-Spectral and Morereflectivity Less reflectivity Special Spectrum Optical Radio FrequencyHigher signal strength Lower signal strength Reception AcousticSignature - Less signature More signature still water AcousticSignature - More signature Less signature running water Direct groundBetter conductivity, Poorer Conductivity, conductivity and less ohmicresistance higher ohmic metering resistance

Additionally, the vast majority of modern drones have high-bandwidthtwo-way communications in the 2.4 or 5.8 GHz bands. In addition, thevast majority of modern drones have cameras which are—or can be “openedup” and/or tuned—for multi-spectrum, specific spectrum or infrared uses.This invention optionally calls for direct sampling by the drone, aswell as interface with other drones. In the United States, drones arelimited to a weight of 25 kg (55 lbs.). Drones, therefore, can land andmake a measurement of ground conductivity with two or more probesattached to their landing pads. These probes can be connected to anohmmeter. In addition, drones could optionally extract small surfacesamples for later use, for example, using a “dropped weight” approach.Also, drones could select a less populous area from the vegetation andwith the methodology (moisture, pressure etc.), and a system and methodcan detect if the conditions are recommend for an area, and implementsoil sampling using a soil sampling device integrated in the drone, andthereby “fetch” a soil sample such as a sliver sample for later testing.In one example, a physical probe could be frangible. If the frangibleprobe prevents the drone from take-off, the probe would break off at apre-determined tension. In this situation, the probe breaking off wouldindicate soil density and hardness.

Embodiments of the present disclosure, can integrate and assure not onlythe drone's mechanical systems, but the wide range of traditional radiofrequency and thermal data sources and waveforms. Such radio frequencyand thermal data sources can originate in the ground drone itself, inthe ground and plots, in the air with its moisture and pollution, and inthe growing species. Questions extrinsic to the drone can includedetecting ‘stated’ humidity per the nearest ground sensor; detecting thepredicted humidity; determining what is seen in the ground for ‘as read’moisture, which can be compared to what the drone sensor(s) read.

Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment or example, a system 400 ormethod can include a database and can include a blockchain ledger.Components of the system 400 communicate with each other and cancommunicate with the drone 22 using an AI interface. The system 400 caninclude a database 404 which can include crop historical information406. An AI (Artificial Intelligence) interface 410 can include acomputer 414, and can communicate with the drone 22. The system caninclude an operational database 420. The operational database caninclude continuing updates of reflectivity components. The operationaldatabase can implement validating timestamping 424. The system caninclude a communicating node 428 which can include a software-definedradio (SDR), and a cognitive waveform. The communicating node 428 canreceive communications 440 which can include radio frequency; near-fieldcommunications, GPS (Global Positioning System) data; two-way IoT(Internet of Things) and human communication. The system includes directhardware ports 432. The direct hardware ports 432 can receive wired, ortactile ground conductivity ports, or ohmmeters on pads as representedin block 444. The system can also include extrinsic interfaces 436.Approved extrinsic information 452 can include control of irrigationequipment, valves, etc. A reference database 460 can include a run-timeodometer, temperature and moisture records. Sensors 456 on the drone 22can include sensors for air pressure, outside temperature, outsideenvironment, direction, video, or inside flows and/or pressure. Otherinformation 464 can include high moisture, operational, low priority, orinformational.

Typically, the drone can include a camera which can detect soil moisturecontent by direction observation, and AI (Artificial Intelligence)instantiation. The drone can also permit sophisticated measurement ofohmic resistance and impedance using inexpensive, break-away sensors onits pads. Typical inexpensive consumer drones have four landing pads.These sensors can have both “plunge” (input in soil) and “trail”capability. The plunge sensors use the weight of the drone to imbedsolid electrodes, and they are broken off in the event of too rigid soilon extraction. This soil condition itself can indicate agriculturalsufficiency or insufficiency based on the breaking-off of the electrode.The trail sensors have flowing and following ribbon-line electrodes forcontinual measurement. Sophisticated analysis may be done using bothdirect and quasi-sheet resistance measurement.

Referring to FIG. 5, readings from various vectors can be incorporatedin an AI (Artificial Intelligence) model 500. The various vectors canuse least-square positioning and interpolation for optimized results.Vector 504 includes resistance and impedance from a drone. Suchmeasurements can have 21 or more possibilities with 4 or more probes.Vector 508 can include least squares matrix solutions which can bereiterated. Vector 512 can include humidity input from local weatherforecasts. Vector 516 can include humidity indications from directmeasurements. Vector 520 can include moisture input from potentialembedded ground sensors. Vector 524 can include optical input from adrone.

In one example, there are many Radio-Frequency waveforms impacting thedrone (Wi-Fi, GPS, etc.). Other radio signals may emanate from the drone(for example, from a camera, position, resistance, etc.). In general,atmospheric moisture impedes UHF (Ultra High Frequency) signalsselectively. Typically, the more moisture, the lower the signal, withthis effect being more pronounced, the higher the frequency.Pollution-based particulate can also impede transmission, particularlyat EHF (Extremely High Frequency) frequencies. The AI component canmeasure these factors, and when they count most, for example, below 400feet from ground level.

For example, a drone with four pads can have 21 DC (Direct Current)resistance, quasi sheet-resistance, AC (Alternating Current) impedanceand pulse combinations possible. For example, combinations are shown inTable 2 below.

TABLE 2 Sensor 542 to Sensor 546 to Sensor 548 to Sensor 544 to Sensors542, 546 to Sensor 546 sensor 548 Sensor 544 Sensors 542, 546 Sensors544, 548 Sensor 542 to Sensor 546 to Sensor 548 to Sensor 544 to Sensor542, 548 to Sensor 548 Sensor 544 Sensors 542, 546 Sensors 546, 548Sensors 546, 544 Sensor 542 to Sensor 546 to Sensor 548 to Sensor 544 toSensors 542, 544 to Sensor 544 Sensors 542, 544 Sensors 542, 544 Sensors542, 546 Sensors 546, 548 Sensor 542 to Sensor 546 to Sensor 548 toSensors 546, 548 Sensors 546, 548 Sensors 542, 546, 544 Sensor 542 toSensor 546 to Sensors 548, 546 Sensors 542, 544, 548 Sensor 542 toSensors 546, 548, 544

Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide transactionalopportunities for AI for best-path analysis of overfly routes andcorridor construction. Further, embodiments of the present disclosurecan include radio and/or acoustic reflection or soil sampling. In oneexample, precision soil sampling can take a sample every half acre,providing two samples per acre. These locations can be marked usingexisting GPS technology, which are used to develop detailed applicationmaps. The maps can allow the farmer to apply inputs at a very high levelof precision and accuracy. A sampling system can be attached to thedrone and take samples from a remote spot.

MORE EXAMPLES AND EMBODIMENTS

In the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, acomputer can be part of a remote computer or a remote server, forexample, remote server 1100 (FIG. 6). In another example, the computer72 can be part of a control system 70 and provide execution of thefunctions of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, a computercan be part of a mobile device and provide execution of the functions ofthe present disclosure. In still another embodiment, parts of theexecution of functions of the present disclosure can be shared betweenthe control system computer and the mobile device computer, for example,the control system function as a back end of a program or programsembodying the present disclosure and the mobile device computerfunctioning as a front end of the program or programs.

The computer can be part of the mobile device, or a remote computercommunicating with the mobile device. In another example, a mobiledevice and a remote computer can work in combination to implement themethod of the present disclosure using stored program code orinstructions to execute the features of the method(s) described herein.In one example, the mobile device can include a computer 42 having aprocessor 44 and a storage medium 46 which stores an application 50. Theapplication can incorporate program instructions for executing thefeatures of the present disclosure using the processor 44. In anotherexample, the mobile device application or computer software can haveprogram instructions executable for a front end of a softwareapplication incorporating the features of the method of the presentdisclosure in program instructions, while a back end program or programs74, of the software application, stored on the computer 72 of thecontrol system 70 communicates with the mobile device computer andexecutes other features of the method. The control system 70 and themobile device or computer 42 can communicate using a communicationsnetwork 60, for example, the Internet.

Thereby, the method 100 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, can be incorporated in one or more computer programs or anapplication 40 stored on an electronic storage medium 34, and executableby the processor 32, as part of the computer on the mobile device. Forexample, a mobile device can communicate with the control system 70, andin another example, a device such as a video feed device can communicatedirectly with the control system 70. Other users (not shown) may havesimilar mobile devices which communicate with the control systemsimilarly. The application can be stored, all or in part, on a computeror a computer in a mobile device and at a control system communicatingwith the mobile device, for example, using the communications network50, such as the Internet. It is envisioned that the application canaccess all or part of program instructions to implement the method ofthe present disclosure. The program or application can communicate witha remote computer system via a communications network 50 (e.g., theInternet) and access data, and cooperate with program(s) stored on theremote computer system. Such interactions and mechanisms are describedin further detail herein and referred to regarding components of acomputer system, such as computer readable storage media, which areshown in one embodiment in FIG. 6 and described in more detail inregards thereto referring to one or more computer systems 1010.

Thus, in one example, a control system 70 is in communication with thecomputer 42, and the computer can include the application or software50. The computer 42, or a computer in a mobile device (not shown)communicates with the control system 70 using the communications network60.

In another example, the control system 70 can have a front-end computerbelonging to one or more users, and a back-end computer embodied as thecontrol system.

Also, referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, a device 40 can include a computer 42,computer readable storage medium 46, and operating systems, and/orprograms, and/or a software application 50, which can include programinstructions executable using a processor 44. These features are shownherein in FIGS. 1 and 6, and also in an embodiment of a computer systemshown in FIG. 9 referring to one or more computer systems 1010, whichmay include one or more generic computer components.

The method according to the present disclosure, can include a computerfor implementing the features of the method, according to the presentdisclosure, as part of a control system. In another example, a computeras part of a control system can work in corporation with a mobile devicecomputer in concert with communication system for implementing thefeatures of the method according to the present disclosure. In anotherexample, a computer for implementing the features of the method can bepart of a mobile device and thus implement the method locally.

Specifically, regarding the control system 70, the device(s) 25, in oneexample the devices which can belong to one or more users, and can be incommunication with the control system 70 via the communications network50. In the embodiment of the control system shown in FIG. 1, the controlsystem 70 includes a computer 72 having a database 76 and one or moreprograms 74 stored on a computer readable storage medium 73. In theembodiment of the disclosure shown in FIG. 1, the devices 25 communicatewith the control system 70 and the one or more programs 74 stored on acomputer readable storage medium 73. The control system includes thecomputer 72 having a processor 75, which also has access to the database76.

The control system 70 can include a storage medium 80 for maintaining aregistration 82 of users and their devices for analysis of the audioinput. Such registration can include user profiles 83, which can includeuser data supplied by the users in reference to registering andsetting-up an account. In an embodiment, the method and system whichincorporates the present disclosure includes the control system(generally referred to as the back-end) in combination and cooperationwith a front end of the method and system, which can be the application50. In one example, the application 50 is stored on a device, forexample, a computer on location 42, and can access data and additionalprograms at a back end of the application, e.g., control system 70.

The control system can also be part of a software applicationimplementation, and/or represent a software application having afront-end user part and a back-end part providing functionality. In anembodiment, the method and system which incorporates the presentdisclosure includes the control system (which can be generally referredto as the back-end of the software application which incorporates a partof the method and system of an embodiment of the present application) incombination and cooperation with a front end of the software applicationincorporating another part of the method and system of the presentapplication at the device, as in the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 of adevice and computer 42 having the application 50. The application 50 isstored on the computer 42 and can access data and additional programs atthe back end of the application, for example, in the program(s) 74stored in the control system 70.

The program(s) 74 can include, all or in part, a series of executablesteps for implementing the method of the present disclosure. A program,incorporating the present method, can be all or in part stored in thecomputer readable storage medium on the control system or, in all or inpart, on a computer 42 or device. It is envisioned that the controlsystem 70 can not only store the profile of users, but in oneembodiment, can interact with a website for viewing on a display of adevice such as a mobile device, or in another example the Internet, andreceive user input related to the method and system of the presentdisclosure. It is understood that FIGS. 1 and 6 depict one or moreprofiles 83, however, the method can include multiple profiles, users,registrations, etc. It is envisioned that a plurality of users or agroup of users can register and provide profiles using the controlsystem for use according to the method and system of the presentdisclosure.

STILL FURTHER EMBODIMENTS AND EXAMPLES

It is understood that the features shown in some of the FIGS., forexample block diagrams, are functional representations of features ofthe present disclosure. Such features are shown in embodiments of thesystems and methods of the present disclosure for illustrative purposesto clarify the functionality of features of the present disclosure.

The methods and systems of the present disclosure can include a seriesof operation blocks for implementing one or more embodiments accordingto the present disclosure. In some examples, operational blocks of oneor more FIGS. may be similar to operational blocks another FIG. A methodshown in one FIG. may be another example embodiment which can includeaspects/operations shown in another FIG. and discussed previously.

FURTHER ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES AND EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a computer-implemented method 700, using asystem 600, for capturing data in a drone enabled environmental fortesting soil and ecological decision making includes a series ofoperational blocks for implementing an embodiment according to thepresent disclosure. The method 700 includes initiating, using acomputer, collection of data from multiple sources using a drone, thedata regarding information about soil, in response to the drone flyingover air space of a physical or geographical location respective to asoil location and/or landing at the soil location, as in block 704. Thedata is regarding information about soil 21 at a specified soil location20, in response to the drone 22 flying over air space of a physical orgeographical location 20 respective to the soil location 21 and/orlanding at the soil location. The drones can include landing pads 26.Coupled to the landing pads, respectively, are frangible probes 34. Inone example, a flexible ribbon line electrode 32.

The method 700 includes receiving, using the computer, soil data, aspart of the data, from the drone in response to testing the soil, thetesting of the soil including conducting a ground soil density testusing a frangible probe 34, as in block 708.

In one example, a frangible probe can be inserted into the soil. Thefrangible probe can break off from the probe or break into pieces whencompression of the probe into the soil exceed a threshold forcompression strength of the probe. A compression strength threshold canbe determined by the material and construction of the probe.

In another example, a frangible probe can be inserted into the soil andbreak off from the probe or into pieces when a tensile strength of theprobe exceed a threshold on pulling the probe out of the soil.

Such probes enable use of dynamic testing or dynamic probes rather thanstatic probes (probes placed in one location) using the drones such thatfrangible probes can be moved from location to location using thedrones, and if a compression or tensile threshold is exceeded, thebreaking itself provides data about the soil type such as hardness orsoftness. In one example, a drone can return or another drone can bedispatched to further test the soil, for example, using a drill toreturn soil to a lab for further analysis.

The method 700 includes analyzing the data to determine a best locationfor seeding and growing a plant in the soil, as in block 712.

Similarly to the system and method shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for thesystem 600 and method 700 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the drone 22 caninclude a computer 24 or on-board computer. The drone includes landingpads or pads 26. In one example, four pads can be attached to the drone.For convenience, the pads 26 shown in FIG. 6 are representative of morepads or a plurality of pads attached to the drone. Also, the drone cancommunicate, using the computer 245 with a controller 40. The controller40 includes a computer 42, processor 44, storage medium 46, anapplication 50 or application software, and a display 48. A user 14 caninteract, that is, manipulate the controller 40 to operate one or moredrones. The controller and alternatively, the drones 22 can communicatewith a remote control system 70 via a communications network 60, forexample a cellular network or the Internet. The control system 70includes a storage medium 80, in which can be stored user accounts 81having registration account data 82 including user profiles 83. Thecontrol system includes a computer 72, a computer readable storagemedium 73 in which can be stored or embedded one or more programs 74,and the computer includes a processor 75 for executing the programs. Thecomputer can also communicate with a database 76.

Operational blocks of the method 100 shown in FIG. 2, may be similar tooperational blocks or used in the methods shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.Methods shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B are intended as other exampleembodiments which can include aspects/operations shown and discussedpreviously in the present disclosure, for example, in the method 700shown in FIG. 7.

In additional examples, referring to FIG. 7A, an example of a drone 750is shown. The drone 750 includes propellers 752 and probes 753 extendingfrom the bottom of the drone.

In one example, referring to FIG. 7B, an example of a frangible probe760 is shown. The probe 760 includes a conductor 762 coupled to a drone.A frangible release housing 763 incorporates a frangible connection area764 having a frangible connection 765. A probe extension 766 extendsfrom the frangible connection 765 and communicates at one end with theconductor 762 and at a distal end can communicate with the ground orsoil in the ground.

In another example, referring to FIG. 7C, an example of a frangibletrailing probe 770 is shown. The probe 770 includes a conductor 772coupled to a drone. A frangible release housing 773 incorporates afrangible connection area 774 having a frangible connection 775. Atrialing conductive ribbon 776 extends from the frangible connection 775and communicates at one end with the conductor 772 and at can be draggedalong the ground at a distal end area.

Referring to FIG. 8A, in another example according to the presentdisclosure, a method 800 can continue from block 704 of the method 700shown in FIG. 7, and the method 800 can further include initiating, aspart of the testing of the soil, physical contact of a probe into thesoil. For example, the probe can be a plunge sensor, or a frangibleprobe 34.

For a frangible probe 34, the probe can be frangible and break off thedrone when physical resistance from the soil exceeds a compressivestrength or stress threshold, as in block 808. The method 800 includesreceiving additional soil data, as part of the data, from the probeincluding stress data (or can be referred to as first stress data)related to the probe breaking off in response to the physical resistancefrom the soil exceeding the compression threshold, as in block 812. Themethod further includes analyzing the additional data to determine abest location for seeding and growing a plant in the soil, as in block816.

Referring to FIG. 8B, in another example according to the presentdisclosure, a method 850 can continue from block 704 of the method 700shown in FIG. 7, and the method 850 can further include initiating, aspart of the testing of the soil, physical contact of a probe into thesoil, as in block 854. For example, the probe can be a frangible probethat breaks off the drone or breaks into pieces when a physicalresistance from the soil exceeds a stress threshold, as also in block854. For example, for a frangible probe 34, the probe can be frangibleand break off the drone when physical resistance from the soil exceeds atensile strength or stress threshold, as in block 858. The method 850includes receiving additional soil data, as part of the data, from theprobe including stress data (or can be referred to as first stress data)related to the probe breaking off in response to the physical resistancefrom the soil exceeding the tensile threshold, as in block 862. Themethod further includes analyzing the additional data to determine abest location for seeding and growing a plant in the soil, as in block866.

Thereby, as discussed above, another example according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure, includes where the testing of the soil caninclude initiating physical contact of the frangible probe into the soil(e.g., a plunge sensor), wherein the frangible probe breaks into piecesand detaches from the drone when physical resistance from the soilexceed a stress threshold.

In another example, the stress threshold includes a tensile threshold ora compression threshold.

In another example, a method can further include receiving additionalsoil data, as part of the data, from the probe including first stressdata with respect to the probe breaking off in response to the physicalresistance from the soil exceeding the stress threshold. And, further,the method can include analyzing the additional data to determine a bestlocation for seeding and growing a plant in the soil.

In another example, the stress threshold can include a tensile strengththreshold.

In another example, the stress threshold can include a compression orcompression strength threshold.

In another example, the testing of the soil can include initiatingphysical contact of another frangible probe on the soil (e.g., a trailsensor). The another frangible probe is a ribbon-line electrode forcontinual measurement, in response to being dragged along the soil,wherein the another frangible probe breaks into pieces and detaches fromthe drone when physical resistance from the soil exceeds a stressthreshold.

In another example, a method according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure can further include receiving further soil data, as part ofthe data, from the another frangible probe including second stress datawith respect to the another frangible probe breaking off in response tothe physical resistance from the soil exceeding the stress threshold.And the method can include analyzing the data from the ribbon-lineelectrode to determine a best location for seeding and growing a plantin the soil.

In another example, the testing of the soil can include initiatingdrilling into the soil, using a mini drill coupled to the drone, andreceiving soil samples from the drilling when the drone returns to ahome base.

In another example, a method according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure can include generating soil sample data, as part of the data,from the soil samples, and analyzing the data to determine a bestlocation for seeding and growing a plant in the soil.

ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS AND EXAMPLES

Regarding collection of data with respect to the present disclosure,such uploading or generation of profiles is voluntary by the one or moreusers, and thus initiated by and with the approval of a user. Thereby, auser can opt-in to establishing an account having a profile according tothe present disclosure. Similarly data received by the system orinputted or received as an input is voluntary by one or more users, andthus initiated by and with the approval of the user. Thereby, a user canopt-in to input data according to the present disclosure. Such userapproval also includes a user's option to cancel such profile oraccount, and/or input of data, and thus opt-out, at the user'sdiscretion, of capturing communications and data. Further, any datastored or collected is understood to be intended to be securely storedand unavailable without authorization by the user, and not available tothe public and/or unauthorized users. Such stored data is understood tobe deleted at the request of the user and deleted in a secure manner.Also, any use of such stored data is understood to be, according to thepresent disclosure, only with the user's authorization and consent.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a user(s) canopt-in or register with a control system, voluntarily providing dataand/or information in the process, with the user's consent andauthorization, where the data is stored and used in the one or moremethods of the present disclosure. Also, a user(s) can register one ormore user electronic devices for use with the one or more methods andsystems according to the present disclosure. As part of a registration,a user can also identify and authorize access to one or more activitiesor other systems (e.g., audio and/or video systems). Such opt-in ofregistration and authorizing collection and/or storage of data isvoluntary and a user may request deletion of data (including a profileand/or profile data), un-registering, and/or opt-out of anyregistration. It is understood that such opting-out includes disposal ofall data in a secure manner. A user interface can also allow a user oran individual to remove all their historical data.

OTHER ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS AND EXAMPLES

In one example, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used, all or inpart, for a learning model for analyzing data associated with items andassets.

In another example, the control system 70 can be all or part of anArtificial Intelligence (AI) system. For example, the control system canbe one or more components of an AI system.

It is also understood that the method 100 according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure, can be incorporated into (ArtificialIntelligence) AI devices, which can communicate with respective AIsystems, and respective AI system platforms. Thereby, such programs oran application incorporating the method of the present disclosure, asdiscussed above, can be part of an AI system. In one embodimentaccording to the present invention, it is envisioned that the controlsystem can communicate with an AI system, or in another example can bepart of an AI system. The control system can also represent a softwareapplication having a front-end user part and a back-end part providingfunctionality, which can in one or more examples, interact with,encompass, or be part of larger systems, such as an AI system. In oneexample, an AI device can be associated with an AI system, which can beall or in part, a control system and/or a content delivery system, andbe remote from an AI device. Such an AI system can be represented by oneor more servers storing programs on computer readable medium which cancommunicate with one or more AI devices. The AI system can communicatewith the control system, and in one or more embodiments, the controlsystem can be all or part of the AI system or vice versa.

It is understood that as discussed herein, a download or downloadabledata can be initiated using a voice command or using a mouse, touchscreen, etc. In such examples a mobile device can be user initiated, oran AI device can be used with consent and permission of users. Otherexamples of AI devices include devices which include a microphone,speaker, and can access a cellular network or mobile network, acommunications network, or the Internet, for example, a vehicle having acomputer and having cellular or satellite communications, or in anotherexample, IoT (Internet of Things) devices, such as appliances, havingcellular network or Internet access.

FURTHER DISCUSSION REGARDING EXAMPLES AND EMBODIMENTS

It is understood that a set or group is a collection of distinct objectsor elements. The objects or elements that make up a set or group can beanything, for example, numbers, letters of the alphabet, other sets, anumber of people or users, and so on. It is further understood that aset or group can be one element, for example, one thing or a number, inother words, a set of one element, for example, one or more users orpeople or participants.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Likewise,examples of features or functionality of the embodiments of thedisclosure described herein, whether used in the description of aparticular embodiment, or listed as examples, are not intended to limitthe embodiments of the disclosure described herein, or limit thedisclosure to the examples described herein. Such examples are intendedto be examples or exemplary, and non-exhaustive. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain theprinciples of the embodiments, the practical application or technicalimprovement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

FURTHER EXAMPLES AND ASPECTS

Referring to FIG. 9, an embodiment of system or computer environment1000, according to the present disclosure, includes a computer system1010 shown in the form of a generic computing device. The method 100,for example, may be embodied in a program 1060, including programinstructions, embodied on a computer readable storage device, or acomputer readable storage medium, for example, generally referred to ascomputer memory 1030 and more specifically, computer readable storagemedium 1050. Such memory and/or computer readable storage media includesnon-volatile memory or non-volatile storage, also known and referred tonon-transient computer readable storage media, or non-transitorycomputer readable storage media. For example, such non-volatile memorycan also be disk storage devices, including one or more hard drives. Forexample, memory 1030 can include storage media 1034 such as RAM (RandomAccess Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory), and cache memory 1038. Theprogram 1060 is executable by the processor 1020 of the computer system1010 (to execute program steps, code, or program code). Additional datastorage may also be embodied as a database 1110 which includes data1114. The computer system 1010 and the program 1060 are genericrepresentations of a computer and program that may be local to a user,or provided as a remote service (for example, as a cloud based service),and may be provided in further examples, using a website accessibleusing the communications network 1200 (e.g., interacting with a network,the Internet, or cloud services). It is understood that the computersystem 1010 also generically represents herein a computer device or acomputer included in a device, such as a laptop or desktop computer,etc., or one or more servers, alone or as part of a datacenter. Thecomputer system can include a network adapter/interface 1026, and aninput/output (I/O) interface(s) 1022. The I/O interface 1022 allows forinput and output of data with an external device 1074 that may beconnected to the computer system. The network adapter/interface 1026 mayprovide communications between the computer system a network genericallyshown as the communications network 1200.

The computer 1010 may be described in the general context of computersystem-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executedby a computer system. Generally, program modules may include routines,programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and so on thatperform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.The method steps and system components and techniques may be embodied inmodules of the program 1060 for performing the tasks of each of thesteps of the method and system. The modules are generically representedin the figure as program modules 1064. The program 1060 and programmodules 1064 can execute specific steps, routines, sub-routines,instructions or code, of the program.

The method of the present disclosure can be run locally on a device suchas a mobile device, or can be run a service, for instance, on the server1100 which may be remote and can be accessed using the communicationsnetwork 1200. The program or executable instructions may also be offeredas a service by a provider. The computer 1010 may be practiced in adistributed cloud computing environment where tasks are performed byremote processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork 1200. In a distributed cloud computing environment, programmodules may be located in both local and remote computer system storagemedia including memory storage devices.

More specifically, the system or computer environment 1000 includes thecomputer system 1010 shown in the form of a general-purpose computingdevice with illustrative periphery devices. The components of thecomputer system 1010 may include, but are not limited to, one or moreprocessors or processing units 1020, a system memory 1030, and a bus1014 that couples various system components including system memory 1030to processor 1020.

The bus 1014 represents one or more of any of several types of busstructures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheralbus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus usingany of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and notlimitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture(ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA)bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, andPeripheral Component Interconnects (PCI) bus.

The computer 1010 can include a variety of computer readable media. Suchmedia may be any available media that is accessible by the computer 1010(e.g., computer system, or server), and can include both volatile andnon-volatile media, as well as, removable and non-removable media.Computer memory 1030 can include additional computer readable media inthe form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 1034,and/or cache memory 1038. The computer 1010 may further include otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage media,in one example, portable computer readable storage media 1072. In oneembodiment, the computer readable storage medium 1050 can be providedfor reading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magneticmedia. The computer readable storage medium 1050 can be embodied, forexample, as a hard drive. Additional memory and data storage can beprovided, for example, as the storage system 1110 (e.g., a database) forstoring data 1114 and communicating with the processing unit 1020. Thedatabase can be stored on or be part of a server 1100. Although notshown, a magnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to aremovable, non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and anoptical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable,non-volatile optical disk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other opticalmedia can be provided. In such instances, each can be connected to bus1014 by one or more data media interfaces. As will be further depictedand described below, memory 1030 may include at least one programproduct which can include one or more program modules that areconfigured to carry out the functions of embodiments of the presentinvention.

The method(s) described in the present disclosure, for example, may beembodied in one or more computer programs, generically referred to as aprogram 1060 and can be stored in memory 1030 in the computer readablestorage medium 1050. The program 1060 can include program modules 1064.The program modules 1064 can generally carry out functions and/ormethodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein. Theone or more programs 1060 are stored in memory 1030 and are executableby the processing unit 1020. By way of example, the memory 1030 maystore an operating system 1052, one or more application programs 1054,other program modules, and program data on the computer readable storagemedium 1050. It is understood that the program 1060, and the operatingsystem 1052 and the application program(s) 1054 stored on the computerreadable storage medium 1050 are similarly executable by the processingunit 1020. It is also understood that the application 1054 andprogram(s) 1060 are shown generically, and can include all of, or bepart of, one or more applications and program discussed in the presentdisclosure, or vice versa, that is, the application 1054 and program1060 can be all or part of one or more applications or programs whichare discussed in the present disclosure. It is also understood that acontrol system 70, communicating with a computer system, can include allor part of the computer system 1010 and its components, and/or thecontrol system can communicate with all or part of the computer system1010 and its components as a remote computer system, to achieve thecontrol system functions described in the present disclosure. Thecontrol system function, for example, can include storing, processing,and executing software instructions to perform the functions of thepresent disclosure. It is also understood that the one or more computersor computer systems shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 similarly can include all orpart of the computer system 1010 and its components, and/or the one ormore computers can communicate with all or part of the computer system1010 and its components as a remote computer system, to achieve thecomputer functions described in the present disclosure.

In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, one or moreprograms can be stored in one or more computer readable storage mediasuch that a program is embodied and/or encoded in a computer readablestorage medium. In one example, the stored program can include programinstructions for execution by a processor, or a computer system having aprocessor, to perform a method or cause the computer system to performone or more functions. For example, in one embedment according to thepresent disclosure, a program embodying a method is embodied in, orencoded in, a computer readable storage medium, which includes and isdefined as, a non-transient or non-transitory computer readable storagemedium. Thus, embodiments or examples according to the presentdisclosure, of a computer readable storage medium do not include asignal, and embodiments can include one or more non-transient ornon-transitory computer readable storage mediums. Thereby, in oneexample, a program can be recorded on a computer readable storage mediumand become structurally and functionally interrelated to the medium.

The computer 1010 may also communicate with one or more external devices1074 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 1080, etc.; one ormore devices that enable a user to interact with the computer 1010;and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.) that enables thecomputer 1010 to communicate with one or more other computing devices.Such communication can occur via the Input/Output (I/O) interfaces 1022.Still yet, the computer 1010 can communicate with one or more networks1200 such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network(WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via networkadapter/interface 1026. As depicted, network adapter 1026 communicateswith the other components of the computer 1010 via bus 1014. It shouldbe understood that although not shown, other hardware and/or softwarecomponents could be used in conjunction with the computer 1010.Examples, include, but are not limited to: microcode, device drivers1024, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAIDsystems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

It is understood that a computer or a program running on the computer1010 may communicate with a server, embodied as the server 1100, via oneor more communications networks, embodied as the communications network1200. The communications network 1200 may include transmission media andnetwork links which include, for example, wireless, wired, or opticalfiber, and routers, firewalls, switches, and gateway computers. Thecommunications network may include connections, such as wire, wirelesscommunication links, or fiber optic cables. A communications network mayrepresent a worldwide collection of networks and gateways, such as theInternet, that use various protocols to communicate with one another,such as Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), Transport ControlProtocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Hypertext Transport Protocol(HTTP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), etc. A network may alsoinclude a number of different types of networks, such as, for example,an intranet, a local area network (LAN), or a wide area network (WAN).

In one example, a computer can use a network which may access a websiteon the Web (World Wide Web) using the Internet. In one embodiment, acomputer 1010, including a mobile device, can use a communicationssystem or network 1200 which can include the Internet, or a publicswitched telephone network (PSTN) for example, a cellular network. ThePSTN may include telephone lines, fiber optic cables, microwavetransmission links, cellular networks, and communications satellites.The Internet may facilitate numerous searching and texting techniques,for example, using a cell phone or laptop computer to send queries tosearch engines via text messages (SMS), Multimedia Messaging Service(MMS) (related to SMS), email, or a web browser. The search engine canretrieve search results, that is, links to websites, documents, or otherdownloadable data that correspond to the query, and similarly, providethe search results to the user via the device as, for example, a webpage of search results.

MORE EXAMPLES AND ASPECTS

Referring to FIG. 10, an example system 1500 for use with theembodiments of the present disclosure is depicted. The system 1500includes a plurality of components and elements connected via a systembus 1504 (also referred to as a bus). At least one processor (CPU) 1510,is connected to other components via the system bus 1504. A cache 1570,a Read Only Memory (ROM) 1512, a Random Access Memory (RAM) 1514, aninput/output (I/O) adapter 1520, a sound adapter 1530, a network adapter1540, a user interface adapter 1552, a display adapter 1560 and adisplay device 1562, are also operatively coupled to the system bus 1504of the system 1500.

One or more storage devices 1522 are operatively coupled to the systembus 1504 by the I/O adapter 1520. The storage device 1522, for example,can be any of a disk storage device (e.g., a magnetic or optical diskstorage device), a solid state magnetic device, and so forth. Thestorage device 1522 can be the same type of storage device or differenttypes of storage devices. The storage device can include, for example,but not limited to, a hard drive or flash memory and be used to storeone or more programs 1524 or applications 1526. The programs andapplications are shown as generic components and are executable usingthe processor 1510. The program 1524 and/or application 1526 can includeall of, or part of, programs or applications discussed in the presentdisclosure, as well vice versa, that is, the program 1524 and theapplication 1526 can be part of other applications or program discussedin the present disclosure. The storage device can communicate with thecontrol system 70 which has various functions as described in thepresent disclosure.

A speaker 1532 is operatively coupled to system bus 1504 by the soundadapter 1530. A transceiver 1542 is operatively coupled to system bus1504 by the network adapter 1540. A display 1562 is operatively coupledto the system bus 1504 by the display adapter 1560.

One or more user input devices 1550 are operatively coupled to thesystem bus 1504 by the user interface adapter 1552. The user inputdevices 1550 can be, for example, any of a keyboard, a mouse, a keypad,an image capture device, a motion sensing device, a microphone, a deviceincorporating the functionality of at least two of the precedingdevices, and so forth. Other types of input devices can also be used,while maintaining the spirit of the present invention. The user inputdevices 1550 can be the same type of user input device or differenttypes of user input devices. The user input devices 1550 are used toinput and output information to and from the system 1500.

OTHER ASPECTS AND EXAMPLES

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product at any possible technical detail level of integration.The computer program product may include a computer readable storagemedium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereonfor causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, oreither source code or object code written in any combination of one ormore programming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programminglanguages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programminglanguages. The computer readable program instructions may executeentirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as astand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partlyon a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. Inthe latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user'scomputer through any type of network, including a local area network(LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to anexternal computer (for example, through the Internet using an InternetService Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including,for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gatearrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute thecomputer readable program instructions by utilizing state information ofthe computer readable program instructions to personalize the electroniccircuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures of the presentdisclosure illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation ofpossible implementations of systems, methods, and computer programproducts according to various embodiments of the present invention. Inthis regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may representa module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one ormore executable instructions for implementing the specified logicalfunction(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted inthe blocks may occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example,two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be accomplished as onestep, executed concurrently, substantially concurrently, in a partiallyor wholly temporally overlapping manner, or the blocks may sometimes beexecuted in the reverse order, depending upon the functionalityinvolved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagramsand/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the blockdiagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by specialpurpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions oracts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions.

FURTHER ADDITIONAL ASPECTS AND EXAMPLES

It is to be understood that although this disclosure includes a detaileddescription on cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recitedherein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather,embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented inconjunction with any other type of computing environment now known orlater developed.

Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient,on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computingresources (e.g., networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing,memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that canbe rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort orinteraction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may includeat least five characteristics, at least three service models, and atleast four deployment models.

Characteristics are as follows:

On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provisioncomputing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, asneeded automatically without requiring human interaction with theservice's provider.

Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network andaccessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneousthin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

Resource pooling: the provider's computing resources are pooled to servemultiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physicaland virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according todemand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumergenerally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of theprovided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher levelof abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter).

Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and elasticallyprovisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out andrapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilitiesavailable for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can bepurchased in any quantity at any time.

Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimizeresource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level ofabstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage,processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can bemonitored, controlled, and reported, providing transparency for both theprovider and consumer of the utilized service.

Service Models are as follows:

Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto use the provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure.The applications are accessible from various client devices through athin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based e-mail).The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloudinfrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage,or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exceptionof limited user-specific application configuration settings.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquiredapplications created using programming languages and tools supported bythe provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, orstorage, but has control over the deployed applications and possiblyapplication hosting environment configurations.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to theconsumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and otherfundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy andrun arbitrary software, which can include operating systems andapplications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage,deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networkingcomponents (e.g., host firewalls).

Deployment Models are as follows:

Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for anorganization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party andmay exist on-premises or off-premises.

Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by severalorganizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns(e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and complianceconsiderations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third partyand may exist on-premises or off-premises.

Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the generalpublic or a large industry group and is owned by an organization sellingcloud services.

Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or moreclouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities butare bound together by standardized or proprietary technology thatenables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting forload-balancing between clouds).

A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus onstatelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability.At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure that includes anetwork of interconnected nodes.

Referring now to FIG. 11, illustrative cloud computing environment 2050is depicted. As shown, cloud computing environment 2050 includes one ormore cloud computing nodes 2010 with which local computing devices usedby cloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant(PDA) or cellular telephone 2054A, desktop computer 2054B, laptopcomputer 2054C, and/or automobile computer system 2054N may communicate.Nodes 2010 may communicate with one another. They may be grouped (notshown) physically or virtually, in one or more networks, such asPrivate, Community, Public, or Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove,or a combination thereof. This allows cloud computing environment 2050to offer infrastructure, platforms and/or software as services for whicha cloud consumer does not need to maintain resources on a localcomputing device. It is understood that the types of computing devices2054A-N shown in FIG. 11 are intended to be illustrative only and thatcomputing nodes 2010 and cloud computing environment 2050 cancommunicate with any type of computerized device over any type ofnetwork and/or network addressable connection (e.g., using a webbrowser).

Referring now to FIG. 12, a set of functional abstraction layersprovided by cloud computing environment 2050 (FIG. 11) is shown. Itshould be understood in advance that the components, layers, andfunctions shown in FIG. 12 are intended to be illustrative only andembodiments of the invention are not limited thereto. As depicted, thefollowing layers and corresponding functions are provided:

Hardware and software layer 2060 includes hardware and softwarecomponents. Examples of hardware components include: mainframes 2061;RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture based servers 2062;servers 2063; blade servers 2064; storage devices 2065; and networks andnetworking components 2066. In some embodiments, software componentsinclude network application server software 2067 and database software2068.

Virtualization layer 2070 provides an abstraction layer from which thefollowing examples of virtual entities may be provided: virtual servers2071; virtual storage 2072; virtual networks 2073, including virtualprivate networks; virtual applications and operating systems 2074; andvirtual clients 2075.

In one example, management layer 2080 may provide the functionsdescribed below. Resource provisioning 2081 provides dynamic procurementof computing resources and other resources that are utilized to performtasks within the cloud computing environment. Metering and Pricing 2082provide cost tracking as resources are utilized within the cloudcomputing environment, and billing or invoicing for consumption of theseresources. In one example, these resources may include applicationsoftware licenses. Security provides identity verification for cloudconsumers and tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources.User portal 2083 provides access to the cloud computing environment forconsumers and system administrators. Service level management 2084provides cloud computing resource allocation and management such thatrequired service levels are met. Service Level Agreement (SLA) planningand fulfillment 2085 provide pre-arrangement for, and procurement of,cloud computing resources for which a future requirement is anticipatedin accordance with an SLA.

Workloads layer 2090 provides examples of functionality for which thecloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of workloads andfunctions which may be provided from this layer include: mapping andnavigation 2091; software development and lifecycle management 2092;virtual classroom education delivery 2093; data analytics processing2094; transaction processing 2095; and data analysis of data receivedfrom a drone, wherein the data is captured in a drone enabledenvironmental having drone enabled testing of soil for ecologicaldecision making 2096.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for capturing data in a drone enabledenvironment for testing soil and ecological decision making, comprising:initiating, using a computer, collection of data from multiple sourcesusing a drone, the data regarding information about soil, in response tothe drone flying over air space of a physical or geographical locationrespective to a soil location and/or landing at the soil location;receiving, using the computer, soil data, as part of the data, from thedrone in response to testing the soil, the testing of the soil includingconducting a ground soil density test using a frangible probe; andanalyzing the data to determine a best location for seeding and growinga plant in the soil.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the testing ofthe soil includes: initiating physical contact of the frangible probeinto the soil, wherein the frangible probe breaks into pieces anddetaches from the drone when physical resistance from the soil exceed astress threshold.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the stress thresholdincludes a tensile threshold or a compression threshold.
 4. The methodof claim 2, further comprising: receiving additional soil data, as partof the data, from the probe including first stress data with respect tothe probe breaking off in response to the physical resistance from thesoil exceeding the stress threshold; and analyzing the additional datato determine a best location for seeding and growing a plant in thesoil.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the stress threshold includes atensile strength threshold.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the stressthreshold includes a compression strength threshold.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the testing of the soil includes: initiating physicalcontact of another frangible probe on the soil, wherein the anotherfrangible probe is a ribbon-line electrode for continual measurement, inresponse to being dragged along the soil, wherein the another frangibleprobe breaks into pieces and detaches from the drone when physicalresistance from the soil exceeds a stress threshold.
 8. The method ofclaim 7, further comprising: receiving further soil data, as part of thedata, from the another frangible probe including second stress data withrespect to the another frangible probe breaking off in response to thephysical resistance from the soil exceeding the stress threshold; andanalyzing the data from the ribbon-line electrode to determine a bestlocation for seeding and growing a plant in the soil.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the testing of the soil includes: initiating drillinginto the soil, using a mini drill coupled to the drone; and receivingsoil samples from the drilling when the drone returns to a home base.10. The method of claim 8, further comprising: generating soil sampledata, as part of the data, from the soil samples; and analyzing the datato determine a best location for seeding and growing a plant in thesoil.
 11. A system using a computer for capturing data in a droneenabled environmental for testing soil and ecological decision making,which comprises: a computer system comprising; a computer processor, acomputer-readable storage medium, and program instructions stored on thecomputer-readable storage medium being executable by the processor, tocause the computer system to perform the following functions to;initiate, using a computer, collection of data from multiple sourcesusing a drone, the data regarding information about soil, in response tothe drone flying over air space of a physical or geographical locationrespective to a soil location and/or landing at the soil location;receive, using the computer, soil data, as part of the data, from thedrone in response to testing the soil, the testing of the soil includingconducting a ground soil density test using a frangible probe; andanalyze the data to determine a best location for seeding and growing aplant in the soil.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the testing ofthe soil includes: initiating physical contact of the frangible probeinto the soil, wherein the frangible probe breaks into pieces anddetaches from the drone when physical resistance from the soil exceed astress threshold.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the stressthreshold includes a tensile threshold or a compression threshold. 14.The system of claim 12, further comprising: receiving additional soildata, as part of the data, from the probe including first stress datawith respect to the probe breaking off in response to the physicalresistance from the soil exceeding the stress threshold; and analyzingthe additional data to determine a best location for seeding and growinga plant in the soil.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the stressthreshold includes a tensile strength threshold.
 16. The system of claim14, wherein the stress threshold includes a compression strengththreshold.
 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the testing of the soilincludes: initiating physical contact of another frangible probe on thesoil, wherein the another frangible probe is a ribbon-line electrode forcontinual measurement, in response to being dragged along the soil,wherein the another frangible probe breaks into pieces and detaches fromthe drone when physical resistance from the soil exceeds a stressthreshold.
 18. The system of claim 17, further comprising: receivingfurther soil data, as part of the data, from the another frangible probeincluding second stress data with respect to the another frangible probebreaking off in response to the physical resistance from the soilexceeding the stress threshold; and analyzing the data from theribbon-line electrode to determine a best location for seeding andgrowing a plant in the soil.
 19. The system of claim 11, wherein thetesting of the soil includes: initiating drilling into the soil, using amini drill coupled to the drone; and receiving soil samples from thedrilling when the drone returns to a home base.
 20. A computer programproduct for capturing data in a drone enabled environmental for testingsoil and ecological decision making, the computer program productcomprising a computer readable storage medium having programinstructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable bya computer to cause the computer to perform functions, by the computer,comprising the functions to: initiate, using a computer, collection ofdata from multiple sources using a drone, the data regarding informationabout soil, in response to the drone flying over air space of a physicalor geographical location respective to a soil location and/or landing atthe soil location; receive, using the computer, soil data, as part ofthe data, from the drone in response to testing the soil, the testing ofthe soil including conducting a ground soil density test using afrangible probe; and analyze the data to determine a best location forseeding and growing a plant in the soil.